Kids Corner

CREATIVE PLANNING
“I purchased my Berkely home nine years ago while I was still in art school. I had some initial design plans back then, but I had no idea that this house would eventually become the place that I would raise a family. This space had many roles, multi-function room, guest room, dressing room, and home office before finally transitioning into a fully functional nursery that would grow with baby Blair.

The inspiration for the room is based on a trip to Tanzania that my husband Cody and I took before Blair’s birth. One of the whimsical features in the nursery is a monkey lamp. Its gentle lighting is perfect for bedtime and nighttime diaper changes. To maximize space in the room, we transformed the closet into a crib and storage nook. Because of the crib’s size, we were able to place it on an angle, which freed up additional storage at the other end of the closet. It was important that we found furniture that could serve past infancy. Blair’s crib converts from a bassinette into a full crib and eventually into a toddler bed. By prioritizing intentional design, we were able to incorporate creative storage solutions and multi-functional furniture, ensuring the nursery not only met our needs, but also reflects our vision beautifully.” — Taylor Grup, Concetti

TAYLOR’S KID’S ROOM TIPS:

• A children’s space is the perfect opportunity to lean into a more overt interpretation of a theme. Kids have such vibrant imaginations, so having the opportunity to transport them into a new place even within the constraints of their own bedroom is so fun! Children’s bedrooms should inspire creativity and wonder.
• Smart storage solutions can be game-changing, especially in small spaces. Look for ways to maximize functionality while saving room for play and essentials. For example, skip the traditional changing table and instead opt for a long, low dresser. Its large surface area can serve as both a changing station and offer functional storage for many years.
• We’re seeing more and more color in interior spaces and a child’s room is an ideal space to be creative. I was inspired by the tones of the sun rising and setting over the Serengeti, so I chose warm pink and orange tones throughout the space.

FROM BABIES TO BIG GIRLS
“These Bloomfield Hills homeowners wanted a fun and chic bedroom for their five-year-old daughters that would grow with the girls into their teen years. The girls’ main concerns included an upgrade to ‘big girl beds’ and lots of pink. The room is inspired by Barbie-core, but holds true to my timeless aesthetic, including English armchairs, upholstered headboards, and materials such as velvet, acrylic, and flame stitch. I included personal art and monogrammed soft goods which are my signatures. We were able to deliver a bedroom that balanced the girls’ pink request with a stylish space that they’ll be able to enjoy for years to come.” — Sissy Yellen, Sissy Yellen Living

SISSY’S KID’S ROOM TIPS:

• Create a functional plan. Lay out all necessary furniture with blue tape in your space like cribs, beds, dressers, and play tables to make sure that you are designing the most functional and beautiful space possible.
• Choose your aesthetic. Commit to a look and make sure every piece of furniture, art, and decorative element fits the narrative without being predictable. Don’t be afraid to push the envelope, whether it be with color contrast, art content, mixing furniture styles, etc.
• Give your space personality. Custom touches take a children’s space from great to grand, like monogrammed bedding or custom graphic art. Fill the room with their favorite subjects or relatable patterns via fabrics, this is what sets the average child’s space apart from the rest!

Available at MDC: Decoroom drapery construction and hardware; Schumacher drapery, lounge chairs, benches, and kid’s chair fabrics; City Lights Detroit flush mount light fixture; Alexandra June headboards

BUNKHOUSE BEDLEM
“The primary bedroom of this bustling family vacation home was transformed into a rich and comfy bunkroom, complete with full-sized custom beds, layered bedding, sturdy ladders, and drawers for storage. The space’s palette in brown, sage green, and gray textiles complement the home’s existing woodsy aesthetic. The space was designed for the client’s eight grandkids, all under 12, who pack into the bunks to watch movies or read a good book under the glow of built-in reading lights. We went for a sophisticated, but inviting feeling that would also suit the homeowner’s adult kids and friends that come out for the weekend. While there isn’t always a lot of sleeping going on, the kids love the space.” — Marianne Jones, Marianne Jones Interior Design  

MARIANNE’S BUNKHOUSE TIPS:

• Bunk beds can be tricky. The ladder was slightly pitched to climb easily, and permits generous space between the mattress and the bed frame to allow for easier bed making. We also used the wall cavity to create a book nook behind the pillows.
• If it’s likely that a space will be used heavily, choose bedding in a variation of tones. The plaid broadloom sheets in this case will hide remnants of any slumber party slip-ups.
• When planning a family space, consider full-size beds to accommodate an extra bunkmate.

Available at MDC: City Lights Detroit reading lights; Alexandra June leather drawer pulls; The Ghiordes Knot carpeting.

PLAYTIME FOR TWO
“The family asked me to design a playroom in their Beverly Hills home for their two young girls. The space needed lots of storage for toys, craft supplies, games, books, and Legos. I was inspired by the whimsical nature of this floral Schumacher wallpaper. It was light and playful, which helped brighten this basement playroom and complemented all the colorful toys.” — Anita Sneideraitis, Gunnar Olivier Design

ANITA’S PLAYROOM TIPS:

• Incorporate plenty of storage into your child’s playroom. Use baskets, storage systems, or add a Lego table with a storage bench.
• Make your child’s playroom colorful. Draw inspiration from your kid’s toys or use bold patterns.
• Include comfort and durability when planning your space. Think about wood paneling for the walls and thick carpet for the floor. 

Available at MDC: Schumacher wallpaper, Backdrop paint, Roman shade fabric; The Ghiordes Knot rug.

TWEEN IDOL
“This bedroom was designed for a nine-year-old girl who wanted a more ‘grown-up’ space that had a boho aesthetic and included her idol, Taylor Swift. The goal was to create a space in their Grosse Pointe Farms home that was fit for a child, but that could carry her through her teen years. I wanted to make the room bright and feminine, playing on cooler tones like blue and shades of pink. Since she loves Taylor Swift, we incorporated music and artwork to reflect this.” — Paige Loperfido, Décor & More Designs 

PAIGE’S TWEEN ROOM TIPS:

• Invest in a foundation of classic pieces that will grow with the child, such as a high-quality bed frame and dresser, then mix it with economical items like comforters and rugs that may eventually go out of favor.
• While you don’t want to go too hard on a theme, make space to honor the uniqueness of the child and their interests. You don’t need to go all-out on trucks or unicorns but can instead incorporate subtle touches such as decorative accessories or artwork. Just like adult spaces, kids’ rooms can be sophisticated, yet bright, happy, and unique to the person who inhabits it.